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Message of Condolences by the President
of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, at the Funeral of Reggie
Oliphant, Oudtshoorn, 24 May 2003
During the days of oppression in our country, our movement
was ever aware of the compatriots from small rural towns
who dared to stand up and resist.
From the heart of the Southern Cape, the name Reggie
Oliphant emerged at a time when it took great courage
for small numbers of committed South Africans to sow
the seeds for a democratic non-racial South Africa.
We recall Reggie's early involvement in non-racial
sport, his leadership role in the teaching fraternity
and the regime's desperate attempt to silence his voice
by transferring him to a teaching post in the isolated
town of Kenhardt in the early 80s.
A dedicated English teacher, he was compelled to leave
the profession so that he could return to his people
in his beloved Oudtshoorn.
He was key to the initiatives which led to the establishment
of the alternative paper Saamstaan and ably led this
operation over ten difficult years, giving a voice to
the poor and disenfranchised of George, Mossel Bay,
Oudtshoorn, Willowmore, Calitzdorp, Riversdale, Knysna,
Groot Brak River and many other Southern Cape towns.
The pioneering work of Saamstaan inspired activists
throughout the country and came to the attention of
many in exile.
Reggie grew in stature as a people's person and strong
leader and earned the respect of the residents of Bridgton
and Bhongolethu for his inteprid defiance.
When the mighty United Democratic Front spread out
to the rural areas, it was Reggie and others who stepped
forward and mobilised a big cross-section of organisations
to become founding members of the UDF in 1984.
When the Southern Cape UDF was launched in July of
that year, Reggie, naturally, was asked to act as its
first chairperson.
He was central to many other initiatives including
the founding of the Bridgton Civic Association, which
he chaired.
Like many cadres of the movement he paid the price
for his resistance. He was detained in the 80s and banned
in terms of the state of emergency. His movements were
often monitored and his house and family closely watched
by
the former security police.
Through all of this Reggie remained steadfast and,
when the ANC was unbanned, he became one of its prominent
leaders in the Southern Cape.
Later he became a deputy mayor of the town and a Member
of the National Assembly of the first democratic Parliament.
As we lay Reggie to rest today, we know that we have
lost yet another great son of the soil, a patriot who
lived for his community and fought the good fight.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Elizabeth, a special
person who has shared much of her life with a special
man. We share in your grief and that of your children
Clothilda, Ilse, Crystal, Josina and Nelson.
Hamba Kahle Reggie
ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY
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